I've been banking online for years, with proper 2 and 3 factor authentication, never once had a problem, can't see how BTC can be any different.

The only time I've been burned was when the DOJ pulled the plug on Full Tilt Poker, and even then, eventually, us ROW players got paid out, one can only hope that our American mates get paid out soon and convert some of their winnings to BTC.

You want to be really paranoid, go and sit at a poker table, where EVERYONE is out to steal your chips.

I've been banking online for years, with proper 2 and 3 factor authentication, never once had a problem, can't see how BTC can be any different.

The only time I've been burned was when the DOJ pulled the plug on Full Tilt Poker, and even then, eventually, us ROW players got paid out, one can only hope that our American mates get paid out soon and convert some of their winnings to BTC.

You want to be really paranoid, go and sit at a poker table, where EVERYONE is out to steal your chips.

It is surprising though how many organizations don't offer 2 factor authentication. Some use site key images however I think that isn't enough, and don't truly count it.

Trust yourself though. If you think you know when something stinks irl, it's safe bet you'll get the "scent" online too - you just need solid info, so try to fish it and then rationalize how good info it is. After that it's more likely it's you scamming yourself if you fall for tricks.

I've only met one solid scam attempt towards me in the net and as much as I wanted to believe it true, something seemed off. So I had to spread some water and there it was.

And understanding people helps. There are people that are greedy. Some of them are stupid, some of them not, but all of them will tell you stories and try to play you however they can. That does not mean the world is full of people trying to scam you, that's how a scammer sees the world. I believe trusting in people is important and contains a lot of possibilities. But then, I come from small circles.

It does not mean I don't agree with OP.

About the passwords, I think it's a good skill to learn how to memorize over 8 character random passwords or at least "fork" one over and over with something only you would know and mix it with the context you're in. I have a different password in every service, but I only need memorize the "root" random password which I then personalize to match the service- So, if I forget the service password, I can deduct it.

My bitcoin wallet though, 18 digits, memorized and tested every now and then.

If you want to make your passwords out of words, you could always make your passwords with some language you don't understand. Hell, use two. Make intentional typos.

"Please warn people not to purchase Bitcoins from Coinbase.com. It took them 3 days to link to my checking account. Once I was cleared they only allowed me to purchase two bitcoins and posted a message that I would be prevented from purchasing more until delivery of my Bitcoins 5 days later. Today is March 27. Bitcoin is $88. What kind of ish is this?

Be warned people. I regret not following through with my Mt. Gox account. Readers be warned and warn others!

"Please warn people not to purchase Bitcoins from Coinbase.com. It took them 3 days to link to my checking account. Once I was cleared they only allowed me to purchase two bitcoins and posted a message that I would be prevented from purchasing more until delivery of my Bitcoins 5 days later. Today is March 27. Bitcoin is $88. What kind of ish is this?

Be warned people. I regret not following through with my Mt. Gox account. Readers be warned and warn others!

You have to clear at least one purchase through them before they upgrade your account and let you buy 10 a day or w/e, then 100 a day a month later. All part of their anti-fraud procedures. Not their fault that you were a bit late to the game and the price skyrocketed >_> Also, when delivered the price you get is what you paid on that day for.